This series of recent works by Max Gimlet was chosen by Gallery Director Gary Langsford on a recent visit to his New York Studio.

“There is a lot written about Max Gimblett’s paintings yet there is an element of his practice that resists definition. In a sense his works are easy to define: they are mostly abstract, mostly expressionist or sometimes a bit hard-edged; there could be a reference to the divine or Eastern philosophies; they may be bright and wild or perhaps calculated and reticent. Yet beyond this lies something else, something captivating and knowing, ephemeral – something like emotion. Standing before a painting in Sea of Dragons there is an undertow of energy. It is as if these works emit fleeting pulses that are briefly tangible.”

There will be an opportunity to buy publications personalised by Max Gimblett himself at Auckland Arts Festival’s White Night on Saturday 14 March.

Visitors relax under gazebos at festival to be held this year on Saturday February 28

The Ocean & Orchard Wine & Food Festival is a celebration of the fabulous food, wine and music of the north. Relax in the shade of a gazebo, enjoy bountiful seafood, fabulous fresh local produce, boutique wines and gourmet cuisine from over 30 stalls, seasoned with the sounds of a continuous line-up of talented local musicians.

The Festival is held on the Kerikeri Domain on Cobham Road in the heart of ‘boutiquely uniquely’ Kerikeri. With its sub-tropical laid-back ambience, Kerikeri provides an idyllic lifestyle boasting over 20 cafés, a variety of top notch restaurants (including several ethnic choices) award-winning wineries, designer fashion boutiques, art galleries, art & craft trails and walking tracks, historic buildings and bespoke accommodation.

This contemporary waterfront home was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal as House of the Day

Elevated above the shore, this private waterfront property has a sweeping outlook with the Veronica Channel taking centre stage. The multi-level layout presents an array of vantage points to soak in the views. Given the superior level of privacy, rooms are orientated toward the water with a liberal display of glass.

With such an outstanding outlook this is the place to watch yachts under sail, from twilight racing to the cruising boats on their approach to the nearby marina. For water sport enthusiasts this is a haven with potential to launch small craft, paddleboards and kayaks from the beach below the lawn.

2015 is year of the goat (or sheep), the eighth animal sign in the Chinese lunar calendar and is associated with creativity, peace and calm.

A growing number of Chinese are choosing to celebrate their national holiday in Queenstown. This has been the busiest month for tourist operators in Queenstown and is expected to break all records. Chinese visitors to New Zealand are now second only to Australians and likely to overtake our trans-Tasman neighbours.

Auckland’s famous lantern festival will be held at Albert park for it’s 16th year. The event showcases spectacular lantern displays and features traditional Chinese theatre and musical performances. The show which begins on 26 February is accompanied by Chinese craft stalls and delicious traditional food stalls. A grand finale of of fireworks occurs on Sunday 1 March at 10:30 pm.

Chard Farm will host an Open Day on Saturday February 21 from 12pm to 5pm

Chard Farm Winery celebrates 25 years, inviting locals and visitors to learn more about the winery’s history, including a winery and barrel cellar tour, alongside great local food and live music.

Youngsters will be entertained with everything from a bouncy castle to face painting and family-friendly games, while parents can also experience the workings of the winery and taste and purchase wine at special rates on the day.

To celebrate the community spirit which was evident from Chard Farm’s early days, all proceeds will go to Arrowtown, Shotover, Remarkables, Queenstown and St Joseph’s primary schools.

The stunning beauty of Branches Station has remained largely hidden to all but a select few who have been fortunate enough to farm its glacial valleys, craggy slopes and alpine mountain ranges. Cloaked by the rugged Harris Mountains, this breathtaking wilderness in the Central Otago/Southern Lakes region of New Zealand is situated close to Queenstown’s dynamic tourist area – the hub for global adventure seekers, and neighbours Mt Aspiring National Park.

Spectacular views and outdoor living near the convenience of central Queenstown

This stylish villa overlooks a spectacular vista of lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Enjoy the private courtyard, wander down to the lake, or take a short stroll to central Queenstown and dine at one of its many renowned restaurants.

Decorated in French provincial style, the townhouse is fully furnished with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a single garage and car park.

Price reduction on this impressive three-level home designed by Martyn Evans

This impressive three-level home occupies 4,505 square metres of landscaped, waterfront land on a bend in the river just 6 minutes’ drive from Kerikeri. Designed by Martyn Evans out of concrete block to take maximum advantage of this spectacular location, the property is private, sun drenched and enjoys sweeping views down the inlet to the outer Bay of Islands.

This beautiful historic house has more modern extensions which make it a terrific family home. Situated on Arrowtown’s beautiful tree-lined main street, it was the original police station and residence built in 1900.

Various resource consents are in place including for a new cottage which would be great for ‘granny’ or visiting friends. The exterior wing could serve as self contained visitor accommodation (past use), offices, studio or extended family use.

Following the success of last week’s Tall Ships Regatta, the Bay of Islands is preparing for the Bay of Islands Sailing Week. This popular event will be held from 21-23 January 2015. For the first time, as part of Bay of Islands Sailing week this year a fleet of super yachts will be competing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup. The Bay of Islands offers a spectacular course setting for competitors and spectators alike. With super yachts beginning to arrive in the Bay of Islands this is lining up to be an exciting week.

Peter Busfield, CEO of the New Zealand Marine Export Group which hosts the New Zealand Millennium Cup comments that “Incorporating the New Zealand Millennium Cup in a vibrant and well-run regatta offers another attraction for a superyacht to visit New Zealand and maybe stay longer. “We also envisage a flow-on benefit to Auckland and beyond from a larger number of superyachts and other cruising yachts visiting the Bay of Islands.”